Arsenal moved back top of the Premier League courtesy of a 4-1 win over Norwich City this afternoon.
Jack Wilshere opened the scoring for the hosts with a cool finish after an exquisite passing move from the hosts involving Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud.
Giroud was again involved for the second, lifting a ball into the box that Mesut Ozil rose to header into the far corner.
Norwich pulled themselves back into the match 20 minutes from time when Jonny Howson drilled a low strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the box to give the Canaries a glimmer of hope.
That hope was soon put to rest with a fine solo effort from Aaron Ramsey, however, while the Welshman also unselfishly set up Ozil for the Gunners' fourth of the day.
You can read how an entertaining and action-packed 90 minutes unfolded with Sports Mole's live coverage below.
Good afternoon! Thank you for joining Sports Mole for today's Premier League clash between top-of-the-table Arsenal and struggling Norwich. On paper it looks like a straightforward home win, but let's see if that is really the case...
We'll start by looking at our hosts tonight, and what a season it has been so far for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. It all started so poorly for them, with fans and pundits alike screaming about a crisis at the Emirates following their 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on the opening day. Since that disappointing defeat, however, the Gunners' have been almost infallible.
They won an incredible 10 matches in a row in all competitions, a run which included victories over fierce local rivals Tottenham Hotspur and the likes of Marseille and Napoli in the Champions League. Such an impressive run of form, unsurprisingly, lifted them to the top of both the Premier League and their Champions League group, which is arguably the toughest in the competition this year.
That winning streak was halted in their last outing, however, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited West Bromwich Albion performance. They still sit atop the Premier League table at the beginning of the day, however, and a win today is likely to see them stay there for at least another week, although the result in Liverpool's match against Newcastle could change that.
So, they have no problem winning games, and that is largely down to their uncanny ability to find the net. They have scored in every single match in all competitions so far this season, while their 14-goal tally in the Premier League is second only to Manchester City.
Arsenal's fine form, even including that blip against Villa, stretches all the way back to last season. They have picked up 17 wins and 56 points so far in 2013, which is more than any other side in the top flight. Of the 26 matches they have played this year, they have also only lost on four occasions, so there is no doubt that Arsene Wenger has moulded his latest side into one that is incredibly hard to beat.
They are even harder to beat at home, too. They have won their last four matches in front of their own plans, conceding just one goal in that time whilst scoring eight. Their extended home record is not as good in terms of goals conceded, however, as they have only managed to keep three clean sheets in their last 14 matches at the Emirates in the Premier League.
They are even harder to beat at home, too. They have won their last four matches in front of their own plans, conceding just one goal in that time whilst scoring eight. Their extended home record is not as good in terms of goals conceded, however, as they have only managed to keep three clean sheets in their last 14 matches at the Emirates in the Premier League.
The Gunners currently boast the longest unbeaten streak in the Premier League, although that is still a rather measly six matches compared to the record 49th consecutive unbeaten match that they racked up nine years ago this week. They also currently have the longest run of scoring in consecutive games in the Premier League, having netted at least once in each of their last 12 games.
The Gunners currently boast the longest unbeaten streak in the Premier League, although that is still a rather measly six matches compared to the record 49th consecutive unbeaten match that they racked up nine years ago this week. They also currently have the longest run of scoring in consecutive games in the Premier League, having netted at least once in each of their last 12 games.
One of the big reasons behind such good form is, of course, the signing of Mesut Ozil. The Gunners broke the bank to capture to the former Real Madrid star, but the way he has started he could still be considered something of a bargain. Despite joining after the season had started, he has already created 16 chances for teammates, second only to Mark Noble in the Premier League. He also has the best minutes per chance ratio in the league, creating one every 21.13 minutes.
One more reason for their form, and more specifically their ability to score so often, is simply that they hit the target. The Gunners have the best shooting accuracy in the league so far this season, finding the target with 57.5% of their efforts.
By contrast, Norwich are certainly misfiring at the moment. They spent big money on the likes of Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper during the summer, but neither have been able to make the desired impact as of yet.
Their inability to score goals - only Stoke have scored fewer in the Premier League this season - has seen them drop to 18th in the table. There is a gap between them and the bottom two, but the fact remains that a position in the relegation zone makes for an undoubtedly disappointing start to the season for the Canaries.
However, should they spring an unlikely win this afternoon, they could, theoretically, move as high as the top half of the table. Goal difference does make that unlikely, but it does go to show how tight things are between ninth and 18th at the moment.
Their away form is not encouraging, however. They have only won one of their last 13 Premier League away games, and have only found the net once on their travels so far this season. Their last two performances - a 1-0 win against Stoke and a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea, will have given them confidence due to their performances, but Arsenal may be a step too far for them today.
Their main problem will be scoring goals today. I have already mentioned their poor record in front of goal this season, but looking even further back the Canaries have failed to score in seven of their last 11 away matches. Included home games too, they have found the net just three times in their last six Premier League games.
TEAM NEWS: Right, the team news is in from both sides and there is only one place to start - with the hosts. Santi Cazorla goes straight back into the starting lineup, meaning that he will link up with Ozil for the first time. The unlucky man to make way, rather surprisingly, is the in-form Aaron Ramsey. Meanwhile, Norwich leave Van Wolfswinkel out of the squad and will hand Gary Hooper his first Premier League start. Anthony Pilkington, who was a doubt going into the game with a hamstring injury, is deemed fit enough to start. Full team news for both sides coming up.
ARSENAL STARTING XI: Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Wilshere, Arteta, Flamini, Cazorla, Ozil; Giroud
ARSENAL SUBS: Vermaelen, Rosicky, Ramsey, Monreal, Fabianski, Bendtner, Jenkinson
NORWICH STARTING XI: Ruddy; Martin, Bassong, Turner, Olsson; Tettey, Fer, Howson; Snodgrass, Pilkington, Hooper
NORWICH SUBS: Bunn, Whittaker, Johnson, Hoolahan, Becchio, Redmond, R Bennett
What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, it is a little surprising to see Cazorla slot straight back into the starting XI. He would certainly be in Wenger's strongest side, but I expected the Frenchman to ease him back into the side, perhaps bringing him on as a sub today. It is even more surprising to see Ramsey sacrificed given this superb form of late, and I can only assume that his international exploits were the reason for the rest. I expected Wilshere to start on the bench, but Wenger must feel that he will be fresher as he didn't play a huge role in England's double header.
We all know who the Arsenal dangermen will be by now, the only problem for Norwich is actually stopping them. There is no doubt that Ozil is the world-class player, and he makes everyone around him - who are all fine players in their own right - look even better. He will be looking to link up with Giroud today, with a view to extending his lead at the top of the Premier League assists table having picked up three already.
The usually-flimsy Arsenal defence has look very solid so far this season, and that is down largely to the presence of Flamini in front of them. Ozil's signing may have made all of the headlines, but there is an argument to be made that Flamini rejoining the club on a free transfer was Wenger's best, and certainly most shrewd, deal of the summer.
As for Norwich, Hooper will be looking to seize his chance today in his first Premier League start. He came down from Scotland with an impeccable goalscoring record, but it is fair to say that the general standard of football in the Premier League is a lot higher than that of the SPL. His short time with the Canaries has been fraught with injuries so far, but a good performance today could kick-start his Norwich career.
Elsewhere, Snodgrass is one man Arsenal will have to keep their eyes on. He helped Scotland to a highly impressive victory over Croatia during the international break, so his confidence will be sky-high. Tettey, Fer and, to a lesser extent, Howson, will be charged with quelling the substantial creativity of Arsenal's midfield, and good performances from those three could be the basis for a Norwich result today. Bassong will also be an important player as the skipper looks to keep out Giroud.
One thing the statistics do point to today is an early Arsenal goal. They have scored a league-high four goal in the opening 15 minutes of matches this season, while Norwich have conceded the first goal of the match on average earlier than any other side in the league (29th minute). The Gunners also start the second half quickly, having scored another league-high total of five goals between the restart and the hour mark.
Arsenal do also enjoy playing against Norwich at home. In their last four home league games against the Canaries, they have scored 15 goals - averaging just under four per game.
PREDICTION: Right, we're 10 minutes from kickoff at the Emirates, which means that it is time for my prediction! The form book, the statistics and just about everything else points to a home win this afternoon, and I can't really see any other outcome. Norwich have improved in recent matches and they are better than their league position suggests, but Arsenal are a class above them and should come away with all three points in front of their own fans. I'm going to go for a 3-0 win to the Gunners.
Norwich don't have particularly fond memories of playing against Arsenal. They have only won one of their last 14 meetings against the Gunners, and you would have to go all the way back to 1992 to find the last time that Norwich triumphed in Arsenal's own back yard. That was on the opening day of the first ever Premier League season when the Canaries won 4-2 at Highbury, kicking off a season that would see them finish third in the league and qualify for the UEFA Cup.
The solitary win since then will still be fresh in the memories of both sides, however. Arsenal were beaten 1-0 at Carrow Road last season, while Norwich also ran them close in the reverse fixture, leading 1-0 until three late goals saw the Gunners pick up a 3-1 victory.
Norwich may have had trouble finding the net in general recently, but they have had no such worries when facing Arsenal. They have managed to score in each of their last seven games against the Gunners, although those matches have still only yielded four points for them.
This being a Saturday, there are many more live matches being covered by Sports Mole today. You can see everything we have on offer here, and I will also be keeping you up to date with major events from around the country in the other five 3pm Premier League kickoffs today.
KICKOFF: Here we go then! Arsenal get us underway in an optimistic Emirates Stadium. The home fans can sense some goals today, but Norwich are no pushovers despite what their league position may suggest.
Bright start from Arsenal as an early cross is turned behind for a corner. The delivery is poor and comfortably cleared, but the Gunners come straight back at Norwich.
SAVE! Arsenal three most creative midfielders link up there as Ozil gives it to Wilshere, who jinks away from his man on the edge of the box before squaring it to Cazorla. The Spaniard looks to drag his shot in at the near post, but his low effort is rather tame and Ruddy makes a fairly comfortable stop.
Wenger outlined his plans to launch a title challenge this season during the past week, which is an optimistic philosophy that we haven't really heard from him in some time. However, these games are exactly the type that they have to win if they are to prove serious contenders.
UPDATE: The first goal from the 3pm kickoffs has gone the way of Everton, who have taken an early lead against Hull through Kevin Mirallas.
UPDATE: Another promoted team is experiencing greater success elsewhere, however. Jordon Mutch has given Cardiff a surprise 1-0 lead against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Back at the Emirates, Arsenal are still very much on top in this match but they haven't been able to find a way through the Norwich defence as of yet. Cazorla's shot is still as close as we have come, although Giroud has just seen a decent-looking effort blocked.
Sagna has been making a number of runs down the right flank as usual in these opening stages, and he always seems to have plenty of space. He is not renowned as the best crosser and he hasn't exactly been pinpoint with his deliveries so far, but with a player like Giroud in the box, Norwich can't afford to let him have so much time to pick out a cross.
Yet again, Sagna has acres of space on the right to pick out a cross, but again he over-hits it. In his defence, he only had Giroud to aim for and the duo weren't on the same page as Sagna sent his delivery to the far post while Giroud had made a good run to the near post.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Norwich (Jack Wilshere)
Wow, what a magnificent team goal that is. Cazorla, Giroud and Wilshere link up with some one-touch passing and some audacious flicks. Wilshere flicks it to Giroud, who clips a stupendous return pass into the path of the Englishman, who has continued his run and only has the keeper to beat. He makes no mistake with his first-time effort, putting it into the bottom corner to cap off a wonderful move. That is Arsenal at their free-flowing best.
That really was an incredible goal from the Gunners. Wenger has seen some lovely football during his time as manager, but I would go as far as to say that Wilshere's strike will be up there with the best team-goals he has witnessed. It was sublime.
Wilshere, of course, wanted to add more goals to his game this season, and he has started in the right way. That is now two in his last two games for the Gunners - who needs the goal machine Aaron Ramsey?!
Wilshere gives it to Sagna, who plays a short pass inside to Giroud. The Frenchman isn't known for his long range shots but that is the only thought in his mind when he gets the ball. He knocks it out of his feet before trying to curl it into the top corner, but his effort goes a long way over the bar.
Wenger will be just as pleased with Arsenal's work off the ball as he will when have been in possession so far. An example just then summed it up as three Arsenal players immediately surrounded Tettey to win the ball back high up the field.
UPDATE: A former Arsenal man has given Manchester United the lead against in-form Southampton, and there are no prizes for guessing who it is. Robin van Persie has made it 1-0 at Old Trafford.
Arsenal are in complete control of this match and Norwich have not been able to conjure up anything going forward yet. The Gunners haven't had as many clear chances as they should have given their dominance, but I would be surprised if they didn't add to their tally, possible before half time.
UPDATE: Hull have levelled the sides on Merseyside through Yannick Sagbo. The Tigers are now drawing 1-1 with Everton.
Play just stops for a while as Tettey receives treatment. There is a hint of concern on the face of Hughton as he knows how important Tettey could be to his side in this match, but that soon disappears with the realisation that the midfielder will be able to continue.
UPDATE: Chelsea have restored order at Stamford Bridge with an equaliser against Cardiff City. Eden Hazard has made it 1-1 in that match.
Norwich have improved a little in the last couple of minutes with a few dangerous deliveries into the box. Arsenal have dealt with them well on each occasion, but that is the most that the visitors have threatened so far.
CHANCE! Superb save from Ruddy as he denies Giroud! It all started with Martin inexplicably giving the ball away in a dangerous position, allowing Gibbs to move into the penalty area and cut a pass back to Giroud. The Frenchman sweeps his shot towards the near post but Ruddy makes a very good reaction stop from close range.
ARSENAL SUB: An early change from Arsenal as Aaron Ramsey comes on to replace Flamini. Flamini was hurt in an earlier collision with Tettey but ran straight back onto the pitch after refusing treatment from the doctor. He wasn't able to carry on, however, and I understand that he was withdrawn because he was suffering from tunnel-vision.
Bacary Sagna catches a shot very sweetly indeed, but his effort whistles past the target. The right back has certainly been heavily involved in this match so far.
Hooper has a rare chance to shoot for the visitors, but he doesn't catch his effort as he would have liked and it is an easy save for Szczesny, who just had to stoop down to pick up the tame strike.
Szczesny has to be a little more alert there as he races out to clear an under-hit back pass from Sagna. Hooper was on his toes and almost stole in there, but the Arsenal keeper did well, especially considering that he has been a spectator for large periods of this match.
SAVE! Norwich are really beginning to ask a few questions now. It is fine play from Fer, who makes a powerful run through midfield before hitting a low shot from range that bounces just before the keeper. Szczesny deals with it well, though, tipping it behind for a corner.
This is by far Norwich's best spell of the match. Mertesacker is now required to make a very good block on the edge of the box as a low cross found its way to Snodgrass, who was looking to power it past the keeper. That was a vital block from the big German.
There will be three minutes of added time at the end of this half.
Snodgrass goes for goal from a little further out this time, and it isn't his finest moment as he swings and completely misses the ball. Cue the ironic cheers from the fans as Snodgrass looks to iron out that embarrassing moment.
HALF TIME: Arsenal 1-0 Norwich City
The referee ends an entertaining first half with Norwich very much on top towards the end of that 45 minutes. The hosts were in control for the majority, however, and certainly deserve their slender lead at the break. As things stand, Arsenal will be going back to the top of the table having momentarily been knocked off the summit by Liverpool's draw against Newcastle earlier today.
Despite it being an absorbing match so far, there haven't been too many highlights to speak of. The best moment of the half was, undoubtedly, the goal, which showcased Arsenal's passing philosophy at its very best. Wilshere began the move deep inside his own half and finished it with a first-time effort from close range. In the build-up there were an array on one-touch passes, and the move ended with a couple of exquisite flicks between Giroud and Wilshere before the latter added the finishing touch. It was a goal of the highest order.
For all of their possession in the opening 40 minutes or so, Arsenal didn't create enough chances. Their best, other than the goal, fell to Giroud who was denied by a very good save from Ruddy. Even that was gifted to Arsenal following a mistake from Turner, and the Gunners - again with the exception of the goal - have struggled to find a way through Norwich's stubborn defence even with the creativity at their disposal.
For all of their possession in the opening 40 minutes or so, Arsenal didn't create enough chances. Their best, other than the goal, fell to Giroud who was denied by a very good save from Ruddy. Even that was gifted to Arsenal following a mistake from Turner, and the Gunners - again with the exception of the goal - have struggled to find a way through Norwich's stubborn defence even with the creativity at their disposal.
It is probably no coincidence that Arsenal's grip on the game slipped a little when Flamini was forced off through injury. That caused a reshuffle which saw Wilshere and Cazorla move position to accommodate Ramsey. Norwich enjoyed more attacking success without the ball-winning presence of Flamini.
Norwich will be buoyed by their end to the half, and it will give them plenty of confidence that they can still go on and get an unlikely point from this match. They haven't had any clear-cut chances, but Wojciech Szczesny certainly found himself busier in the closing five minutes of that half than he had been for the previous 40.
From Arsenal's point of view, they will be looking to regain their strangehold on this game in the earlier stages of the second half. A second goal would be perfect for them as it would really dampen the momentum that Norwich have built up and could, effectively, kill the game off as a contest. Wenger will know as well as anyone that a one-goal lead is a dangerous one in the Premier League.
It must be said that Mesut Ozil hasn't been too involved so far. Credit must go to Norwich for keeping the playmaker so quiet, but they will need to keep that effort up for the whole 90 minutes as, if Ozil is allowed to start pulling the strings, this match could get away from the Canaries.
The players are filtering back out onto the field now, and it will be interesting to see how Norwich approach the early stages of this half. Will they look to pick up where they left off, or will they be forced to weather an early storm.
KICKOFF: Norwich get us back underway at the Emirates. No changes at the break for either side, just the earlier substitution of Ramsey for Flamini.
Quick start from Arsenal as they pour forward in numbers. Wilshere's cross is too long for Giroud, allowing it to be cleared as far as Arteta, who goes for goal from range only to see his good strike deflected out for a corner.
The corner also finds its way out to Arteta, and again the Spaniard goes for goal from range but this time he misses the target all on his own, and Norwich will have a goal kick.
That is a decent half chance for Norwich after a well-worked free kick. Turner wins a header at the far post and nods it back to Martin, who has hung back on the edge of the box. The Norwich man fluffs his attempted volley, however, and it bobbles some way wide.
Sagna finally finds a red shirt with a cross, but it is just a little too high for Giroud to get over it, and his header subsequently goes flying over the bar. Better delivery from Sagna, though.
Olsson wins a free kick in a good crossing position following a tackle by Ramsey. Snodgrass is usually good from these sorts of positions...
...but his delivery is just about dealt with by Szczesny, who comes and gets something on the ball. Luckily for the keeper it falls to a teammate, who hacks it away from danger.
Norwich have settled quite well into this second half after a decent start from the hosts. The Canaries are probably just about on top at the moment, although they carry a distinct lack of attacking threat in comparison to Arsenal.
Snodgrass cuts in from the left to latch on to a loose ball and he is not closed down quickly enough by the Arsenal defence. He gets a shot away, but it isn't one of his best and Szczesny gets down to make a comfortable save.
Szczesny is called into action again moments later as Olsson tries an ambitious strike from a long way out and from a tight angle. The Arsenal keeper got a lot behind the ball, however, and it was another fairly easy save for him.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Norwich (Mesut Ozil)
Just as Norwich look like build up a head of steam, Arsenal hit them on the break. It is a rapid move downfield which ends with a lovely cross from Giroud to the head of Ozil, who has burst into the box with a late run. Heading isn't Ozil's strong point, but you wouldn't know it from that finish as he flicks his effort into the corner.
ARSENAL SUB: Cazorla has lasted an hour on his return from injury, but he won't last any longer as Wenger replaces him with Thomas Rosicky.
UPDATE: Everton have regained the lead against Hull, this time through a Steven Pienaar strike just moments after he came on as a sub. Swansea have also scored twice in quick succession to pile more misery on Sunderland's season. A Phil Bardsley own goal and Jonathan de Guzman strike have given the Swans a 2-0 lead at the Liberty Stadium.
CHANCE! Good chance for Norwich as they have a three-on-one situation, but they fail to make the most of it as Pilkington goes alone, dragging his shot past the far post. They could have had a much better chance had they worked that a little better there.
UPDATE: Things are going from bad to worse for Sunderland. Gus Poyet has seen his new side concede three goals in eight minutes, the latest of which came through a Wilfried Bony penalty.
Pilkington is incensed by the referee's decision to award Arsenal a free kick in their own penalty area. He has a point, too, as Arteta went down very easily there, buying a free kick to ease the pressure on his side.
Great defending from Turner. Giroud was lurking at the back post and would have had an easy finish with a diving header had Turner not stuck a leg out to lift the cross just beyond the Frenchman at the far post. Superb interception, and without it it would be 3-0 right now.
UPDATE: Chelsea have completed their comeback against Cardiff and now look likely to avoid a shock result at Stamford Bridge. Samuel Eto'o has made it 2-1.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Norwich (Jonny Howson)
This one isn't over yet! A cross from the left takes a deflection off Mertesacker which takes it to Howson on the edge of the box. He is given the time to take a touch by Gibbs, who doesn't close him down quickly enough, before drilling a low half volley past Szczesny at his near post. Good finish.
NORWICH SUB: Norwich are not giving up on this one, and the introduction of Nathan Redmond here should give them plenty of attacking exuberance as well as increased pace up top. He comes on for Pilkington.
Norwich just seem to have a little more desire to win the ball than Arsenal right now. There was a spell just then when the Canaries came out of about three 50/50 challenges in quick succession with the ball.
SAVE! Ramsey has been in fine scoring form this season and he almost adds to his impressive tally there. Norwich let the Welsh captain run at their defence and get his shot away, and Ruddy has to be alert to make the save.
Ruddy is called upon again as Ramsey leaves the ball for Ozil, who takes a touch before sending a low shot towards the bottom corner. It lacks power but is well-placed, forcing Ruddy to get down well to make the stop.
ARSENAL SUB: Interesting change from Wenger as he replaces Olivier Giroud with Nicklas Bendtner. I can only assume that is down to Giroud's international exploits in the last week.
NORWICH SUB: Immediately after the Arsenal sub, Hughton makes a change of his own as Wes Hoolahan replaces Tettey. That is an attacking change from the visitors.
SAVE! Again Ramsey is given space to shoot from just outside the box and again Ruddy is forced to make a good stop. He may well end up on the losing side today, but Ruddy has had a decent game.
Ruddy makes yet another save as a nice move sets Bendtner up with a decent chance. He tries to drill his shot in at the near post rather than shooting across the keeper, and Ruddy beats it away with strong hands.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-1 Norwich (Aaron Ramsey)
You just can't stop this man scoring at the moment! Superb play from Ramsey as he feints a shot to take him past two desperate sliding challenges in the box before beating Bassong with another fake shot. That leaves him one-on-one with the keeper, and he makes no mistake from close range. That was a really good goal from the Welshman, who showed tremendous composure and skill to finish.
UPDATE: Chico has made it 4-0 to Swansea as Sunderland's season just goes from bad to worse. Chelsea have also hit four past Cardiff, with Oscar and Hazard both netting to make it 4-1. Southampton, meanwhile, have just scored a late equaliser against Manchester United through Dejan Lovren.
CLOSE! Mertesacker gets up to meet a corner and his flicked header goes just past the post.
GOAL! Arsenal 4-1 Norwich (Mesut Ozil)
It is party football from Arsenal now. Rosicky lifts the ball to Ramsey at the far post, and he unselfishly hooks the ball back into Ozil. The German finishes another fine move off with a first-time controlled shot into a gaping net. It is harsh on Norwich, but Arsenal have been scintillating at times.
Hoolahan gets away from Arteta in midfield and unleashes a powerful shot towards the top corner. It is always rising, though, and Szczesny doesn't have much to worry about as he watches it fly over his crossbar.
The fourth official indicates four minutes of added time at the end of this match.
Arsenal have not dominated this match from start to finish by any means, but they have really made the most of the moments where they have been on top. All of their goals have been on the highest order, and there is nothing that Norwich could have done about them really.
PENALTY SHOUT: Arsenal have a late shout for a penalty as Hoolahan brings down Ozil inside the box, but the referee waves it away. I've seen them given.
CLOSE! Almost the icing on the cake for the Gunners as Wilshere bends a shot just past the post from the edge of the area. Ruddy was well and truly beaten, but so was the post.
FULL TIME: Arsenal 4-1 Norwich City
Arsenal regain their place at the top of the table with an impressive 4-1 win, although the scoreline does not tell the whole story. Norwich were not bad enough to warrant conceding four goals, it's just that Arsenal's goals were so good that they could do nothing about them. It was a complete performance from Arsenal as there were times that Norwich were on top but they certainly deserved their win and showed that, when they are at their best, any team in the league would struggle to cope with them.
Right, that's all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was another thoroughly entertaining match at the Emirates. Be sure to stick around for our match report, reaction and analysis, which should all be on site shortly. If you need more live commentary, join us for West Ham vs Manchester City, and also be sure to come back for plenty more action tonight and tomorrow. Until then, though, it is goodbye from me.
